Adir Schwartz, deputy mayor of Jerusalem and head of the Hit'orerut movement, said extremists arrived at the HaSimta cafe on Saturday in an attempt to intimidate the business owner and the public because the cafe remains open on Shabbat. Schwartz said Hit'orerut activists were present throughout the day to support the business and make clear that a 'handful of extremists' will not dictate how Jerusalemites live.
Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz (Hit'orerut) said Saturday that Haredi extremists arrived at the HaSimta cafe in an attempt to intimidate the owner and customers because the cafe remains open on Shabbat. Schwartz stated that Hit'orerut activists were present throughout the day to support the business. The statement follows police forcibly removing Haredi protesters from the same cafe earlier Saturday, at 11:21 Jerusalem, as The Zioneer reported.
The Zioneer's thread from Saturday 11:21 Jerusalem documented a sequence of events: first, clashes between worshipers and cafe patrons for a second consecutive Shabbat; then, protesters chanting 'Sheva'as' and 'Titgaysu'; and finally, police forcibly removing the demonstrators. The reports originated from journalist Inbar Twizer (N12). Separately, a week prior on July 4, Haredi protesters overturned tables and banged on windows at the same location, as The Zioneer reported on July 4 at 18:18 Jerusalem.
The ongoing friction reflects broader tensions in Jerusalem over Shabbat observance. The Zioneer has reported that a long line of supporters gathered at the cafe a week after the July 4 protest (Sat 10:47 Jerusalem), and residents announced a protest against the cafe's Shabbat opening on July 10.
It remains unclear whether police will take further action or if the deputy mayor's statement will lead to additional measures. The situation continues to evolve.
6 developments
- DevelopingHaredi protesters overturn tables, bang on windows at Jerusalem cafe open on Shabbat
- DevelopingLong line of supporters at Jerusalem cafe a week after Haredi protest
- DevelopingJerusalem residents announce Shabbat protest against cafe opening on Agrippas Street
- StrongSevere brawl between secular Israelis and Haredi protesters
Source and signal
- Internal intake